Permitting

Permitting staff processes, updates and issues building permits for new single-family dwellings and commercial structures, additions, renovations, accessory structures, and mobile homes located within unincorporated areas of Wake County. As part of the application process, staff verifies zoning and jurisdiction authority, checks site plans for buffers, FEMA flood soils, easements, and right-of-way and gathers information concerning the scope of the permit. Permitting staff works closely with the Zoning and Subdivision of the Planning Department; Well and Waste Water, Flood and Storm Water Divisions of Environmental Services; and the Geographical Information Services Division of Community Services.

Plan Review

All construction plans are reviewed for life safety and structural integrity prior to the issuance of a permit. Reviews are based on the NC Building, Accessibility, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and Energy Conservation Codes. Commercial and residential plan reviewers are responsible for final approval of drawings, verification of contractor licenses, writing a detailed description of the work being permitted, and calculating permit fees. Both residential and commercial plans are being reviewed in each of the four contract municipalities and other satellite locations.

Inspections

The field inspectors perform mandated inspections for construction of new structures and alteration/renovation of existing structures and change of occupancy type. Other duties include posting of floor loads, maximum occupancy loads, stop work orders and unsafe structures. Inspectors must inspect and approve child daycare centers, foster homes, businesses wishing to obtain ABC permits and adult daycare facilities prior to the State of North Carolina issuing operations licenses. The division issues Certificates of Compliance and Certificates of Occupancy upon completion of construction projects.

Mission Statement

To provide for public safety, health and general welfare by administering Federal, State and Local regulations pertaining to land development and building codes.